No: 74, 16 March 2018, Press Release Regarding The Resolution Adopted By The European Parliament On “the Situation In Syria” On 15 March 2018

Republic Of Turkey Ministry Of Foreign Affairs 16.03.2018

The call on Turkey in the Resolution on “the Situation in Syria” adopted by
the European Parliament yesterday (15 March) is yet another indication of
the extent to which European Parliament is out of touch with reality. With
this Resolution, the European Parliament has once again demonstrated that
it has a biased point of view that is far from being objective.

Operation Olive Branch is a counter-terrorism operation. The operation is
conducted on the basis of the international law, in accordance with the
right to self-defense as enshrined in Article 51 of the UN Charter and the
relevant counter-terrorism resolutions of the UN Security Council and in
full respect of Syria’s territorial integrity.

The target of the operation is PKK/KCK/PYD-YPG terrorist organization along
with DAESH elements which have come from different parts of Syria and
nested in the region. PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by the EU.
In this regard, the operation has international legitimacy not only for
ensuring Turkey’s national security but also that of Europe.

These accusations directed at Turkey who takes all precautions to avoid any
harm to the civilian population are unfair and baseless. There is no excuse
for the European Parliament giving credit to groundless claims of terrorist
organization and ignoring Turkey’s efforts for combatting terrorism.

It is impossible for us to accept this Resolution of the European
Parliament, known for its track record of showing tolerance to terrorist
organizations. Turkey is determined to continue fighting against all kinds
of terrorist organizations as it has done so far.

Turkey is one of the countries that exerts the utmost effort for ending the
humanitarian tragedy in Syria, especially in Eastern Ghouta, and
de-escalating tensions in other regions including Idlib as well as
establishing calm on the ground. It also plays a prominent role with its
support and contributions to the efforts for solving the Syrian crisis
through political processes.

In this context, Turkey invites the European Parliament and the EU
countries to take on responsibility and make meaningful contribution
towards ending the 7-year long crisis in Syria and to work for the
cessation of conflict on the ground.